First Timer - Do I have this right?
Thread Starter
10th Gear
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 11
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First Timer - Do I have this right?
I recently purchased a 2004 Acura TL (graphite gray), and I would like to perform a complete detail of the car. I have done a considerable amount of research, and I would just like some of the detailing experts to make sure I am not missing anything. I do not want to cut corners, but I would like to keep this cost-effective as possible. In bold are two of my particuliar concerns.
Step 1: Wash/Clean/Protect the wheels, rims, and undercarriage. I plan on using a micro fiber drill attachment with some aluminum polish compound since I have some rather deep scratches on a few of my rims.
Step 2: Wash car. I have read several 'How To' articles, and I think I have the safe, effective car wash method down. I will probably use Meg's NXT wash.
Step 3: Dry car. I plan on using a large waffle-style draw towel. Walmart sells an Armor-All giant waffle towel for $7. I know to stay away from most Armor-All products, but this should be safe for drying, right?
Step 4: Clay. I will be using Meg's clay kit with the QD as lube.
Step 5: Use StratchX on any scratchs or swirl marks. Is this step worth my effort on anything but very slight scratches?
Step 6: ??Polish?? I question this because at this time I am not willing to purchase a $100+ orbital buffer. From my understanding, most hand-polishing techniques are a waste of time. I am afraid that claying will reveal/create many more swirl marks, which then will require me to machine polish. Any thoughts on this step?
Step 7: Wax. I plan on using NXT 2.0. Should I rewash my car before waxing? I will also wax my rims, as I read this will greatly help repel break dust.
Interior: I plan on using Meg's interior detailing spray on the vinyl, a damp rag on most of the instrument panels and interior chrome, and Meg's leather cleaner/conditioner spray on the seats and door leather. I do not want an overly shiny/greasy dash or seats. Will I be satisfied with these products?
Well that is the plan that I have come up with. Like I said, I am fairly confident I have the individual processes down, but step 6, the polish step, has me concerned. I would greatly appreciate any input. Thanks!
Step 1: Wash/Clean/Protect the wheels, rims, and undercarriage. I plan on using a micro fiber drill attachment with some aluminum polish compound since I have some rather deep scratches on a few of my rims.
Step 2: Wash car. I have read several 'How To' articles, and I think I have the safe, effective car wash method down. I will probably use Meg's NXT wash.
Step 3: Dry car. I plan on using a large waffle-style draw towel. Walmart sells an Armor-All giant waffle towel for $7. I know to stay away from most Armor-All products, but this should be safe for drying, right?
Step 4: Clay. I will be using Meg's clay kit with the QD as lube.
Step 5: Use StratchX on any scratchs or swirl marks. Is this step worth my effort on anything but very slight scratches?
Step 6: ??Polish?? I question this because at this time I am not willing to purchase a $100+ orbital buffer. From my understanding, most hand-polishing techniques are a waste of time. I am afraid that claying will reveal/create many more swirl marks, which then will require me to machine polish. Any thoughts on this step?
Step 7: Wax. I plan on using NXT 2.0. Should I rewash my car before waxing? I will also wax my rims, as I read this will greatly help repel break dust.
Interior: I plan on using Meg's interior detailing spray on the vinyl, a damp rag on most of the instrument panels and interior chrome, and Meg's leather cleaner/conditioner spray on the seats and door leather. I do not want an overly shiny/greasy dash or seats. Will I be satisfied with these products?
Well that is the plan that I have come up with. Like I said, I am fairly confident I have the individual processes down, but step 6, the polish step, has me concerned. I would greatly appreciate any input. Thanks!
Former Sponsor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 6,624
Likes: 9
From: Thousand Oaks, CA
My suggestion/opinion in bold.
Originally Posted by ShadyKidd
I recently purchased a 2004 Acura TL (graphite gray), and I would like to perform a complete detail of the car. I have done a considerable amount of research, and I would just like some of the detailing experts to make sure I am not missing anything. I do not want to cut corners, but I would like to keep this cost-effective as possible. In bold are two of my particuliar concerns.
Step 1: Wash/Clean/Protect the wheels, rims, and undercarriage. I plan on using a micro fiber drill attachment with some aluminum polish compound since I have some rather deep scratches on a few of my rims.
I dont think your going to be able to remove any deep scratches on your wheels with any type of instrument. The MF ball your referring to will do a great job in conjunction with the polish, to help clean and brighten, but scratch removal? I dont think so.
Step 2: Wash car. I have read several 'How To' articles, and I think I have the safe, effective car wash method down. I will probably use Meg's NXT wash.
Consider a grit guard, and sheepskin at a minimum. Two buckets cant hurt either. Any respected car care brand name soap will suffice. I usually shoot for whatever is the most affordable or on sale.
Step 3: Dry car. I plan on using a large waffle-style draw towel. Walmart sells an Armor-All giant waffle towel for $7. I know to stay away from most Armor-All products, but this should be safe for drying, right?
I guess you wont know until further down the road, plus its hard to evaluate unless the surface is in a rather pristine state to begin with. If I recall, that one your referring to has rather large pockets, but not a lot of exposed fiber for wicking. Make sure you report back if you decide to purchase it.
Step 4: Clay. I will be using Meg's clay kit with the QD as lube. Find a happy median with lube and clay. To much lube and the bar slides too much instead of grabbing. Too little and, well, you leave some marring and clay remnants.
Step 5: Use StratchX on any scratchs or swirl marks. Is this step worth my effort on anything but very slight scratches? Dont bother with swirls. You will end up marring the crap out of the paint. Stay with very isolated scratches.
Step 6: ??Polish?? I question this because at this time I am not willing to purchase a $100+ orbital buffer. From my understanding, most hand-polishing techniques are a waste of time. I am afraid that claying will reveal/create many more swirl marks, which then will require me to machine polish. Any thoughts on this step? This is where your kind of selling yourself short. Its probably the most important function of detailing. That being paint prep. You can get (depending) significant results by hand if your familiar with applicators and polishes. I mean its a step in the right direction, but can be laborous and very time consuming. Claying can reveal its ugly side, being marring. But its easily recoverable. Reconsider the UDM/PC, its the price of about 2 fillups, and last probably the lifetime of your car.
Step 7: Wax. I plan on using NXT 2.0. Should I rewash my car before waxing? I will also wax my rims, as I read this will greatly help repel break dust.
NXT is a good OTC sealant, just dont expect a mircle with it. Its a product designed for DIY'rs. Applies easy, removes easy, its just doesnt last a heck of a long time.
Interior: I plan on using Meg's interior detailing spray on the vinyl, a damp rag on most of the instrument panels and interior chrome, and Meg's leather cleaner/conditioner spray on the seats and door leather. I do not want an overly shiny/greasy dash or seats. Will I be satisfied with these products?
[b]I would say a warm water moistened microfiber, wipe all surfaces you plan on protecting thoroughly. Then use 303 protectant on another dampened MF. It doesnt get much easier, or better. If you see any signs of existing protectant, use something like 1Z Cockpit Cleaner , or Surf City Dash Away Spray . Just like the paint, you have to clean before you protect.
Well that is the plan that I have come up with. Like I said, I am fairly confident I have the individual processes down, but step 6, the polish step, has me concerned. I would greatly appreciate any input. Thanks!
Step 1: Wash/Clean/Protect the wheels, rims, and undercarriage. I plan on using a micro fiber drill attachment with some aluminum polish compound since I have some rather deep scratches on a few of my rims.
I dont think your going to be able to remove any deep scratches on your wheels with any type of instrument. The MF ball your referring to will do a great job in conjunction with the polish, to help clean and brighten, but scratch removal? I dont think so.
Step 2: Wash car. I have read several 'How To' articles, and I think I have the safe, effective car wash method down. I will probably use Meg's NXT wash.
Consider a grit guard, and sheepskin at a minimum. Two buckets cant hurt either. Any respected car care brand name soap will suffice. I usually shoot for whatever is the most affordable or on sale.
Step 3: Dry car. I plan on using a large waffle-style draw towel. Walmart sells an Armor-All giant waffle towel for $7. I know to stay away from most Armor-All products, but this should be safe for drying, right?
I guess you wont know until further down the road, plus its hard to evaluate unless the surface is in a rather pristine state to begin with. If I recall, that one your referring to has rather large pockets, but not a lot of exposed fiber for wicking. Make sure you report back if you decide to purchase it.
Step 4: Clay. I will be using Meg's clay kit with the QD as lube. Find a happy median with lube and clay. To much lube and the bar slides too much instead of grabbing. Too little and, well, you leave some marring and clay remnants.
Step 5: Use StratchX on any scratchs or swirl marks. Is this step worth my effort on anything but very slight scratches? Dont bother with swirls. You will end up marring the crap out of the paint. Stay with very isolated scratches.
Step 6: ??Polish?? I question this because at this time I am not willing to purchase a $100+ orbital buffer. From my understanding, most hand-polishing techniques are a waste of time. I am afraid that claying will reveal/create many more swirl marks, which then will require me to machine polish. Any thoughts on this step? This is where your kind of selling yourself short. Its probably the most important function of detailing. That being paint prep. You can get (depending) significant results by hand if your familiar with applicators and polishes. I mean its a step in the right direction, but can be laborous and very time consuming. Claying can reveal its ugly side, being marring. But its easily recoverable. Reconsider the UDM/PC, its the price of about 2 fillups, and last probably the lifetime of your car.
Step 7: Wax. I plan on using NXT 2.0. Should I rewash my car before waxing? I will also wax my rims, as I read this will greatly help repel break dust.
NXT is a good OTC sealant, just dont expect a mircle with it. Its a product designed for DIY'rs. Applies easy, removes easy, its just doesnt last a heck of a long time.
Interior: I plan on using Meg's interior detailing spray on the vinyl, a damp rag on most of the instrument panels and interior chrome, and Meg's leather cleaner/conditioner spray on the seats and door leather. I do not want an overly shiny/greasy dash or seats. Will I be satisfied with these products?
[b]I would say a warm water moistened microfiber, wipe all surfaces you plan on protecting thoroughly. Then use 303 protectant on another dampened MF. It doesnt get much easier, or better. If you see any signs of existing protectant, use something like 1Z Cockpit Cleaner , or Surf City Dash Away Spray . Just like the paint, you have to clean before you protect.
Well that is the plan that I have come up with. Like I said, I am fairly confident I have the individual processes down, but step 6, the polish step, has me concerned. I would greatly appreciate any input. Thanks!
Last edited by exceldetail; Aug 5, 2008 at 12:51 AM.
Kang Ho
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,872
Likes: 0
From: SJ, CA
Originally Posted by ShadyKidd
I recently purchased a 2004 Acura TL (graphite gray), and I would like to perform a complete detail of the car. I have done a considerable amount of research, and I would just like some of the detailing experts to make sure I am not missing anything. I do not want to cut corners, but I would like to keep this cost-effective as possible. In bold are two of my particuliar concerns.
Step 1: Wash/Clean/Protect the wheels, rims, and undercarriage. I plan on using a micro fiber drill attachment with some aluminum polish compound since I have some rather deep scratches on a few of my rims.
Step 2: Wash car. I have read several 'How To' articles, and I think I have the safe, effective car wash method down. I will probably use Meg's NXT wash.
Step 3: Dry car. I plan on using a large waffle-style draw towel. Walmart sells an Armor-All giant waffle towel for $7. I know to stay away from most Armor-All products, but this should be safe for drying, right?
Step 4: Clay. I will be using Meg's clay kit with the QD as lube.
Step 5: Use StratchX on any scratchs or swirl marks. Is this step worth my effort on anything but very slight scratches?
Step 6: ??Polish?? I question this because at this time I am not willing to purchase a $100+ orbital buffer. From my understanding, most hand-polishing techniques are a waste of time. I am afraid that claying will reveal/create many more swirl marks, which then will require me to machine polish. Any thoughts on this step?
Step 7: Wax. I plan on using NXT 2.0. Should I rewash my car before waxing? I will also wax my rims, as I read this will greatly help repel break dust.
Interior: I plan on using Meg's interior detailing spray on the vinyl, a damp rag on most of the instrument panels and interior chrome, and Meg's leather cleaner/conditioner spray on the seats and door leather. I do not want an overly shiny/greasy dash or seats. Will I be satisfied with these products?
Well that is the plan that I have come up with. Like I said, I am fairly confident I have the individual processes down, but step 6, the polish step, has me concerned. I would greatly appreciate any input. Thanks!
Step 1: Wash/Clean/Protect the wheels, rims, and undercarriage. I plan on using a micro fiber drill attachment with some aluminum polish compound since I have some rather deep scratches on a few of my rims.
Step 2: Wash car. I have read several 'How To' articles, and I think I have the safe, effective car wash method down. I will probably use Meg's NXT wash.
Step 3: Dry car. I plan on using a large waffle-style draw towel. Walmart sells an Armor-All giant waffle towel for $7. I know to stay away from most Armor-All products, but this should be safe for drying, right?
Step 4: Clay. I will be using Meg's clay kit with the QD as lube.
Step 5: Use StratchX on any scratchs or swirl marks. Is this step worth my effort on anything but very slight scratches?
Step 6: ??Polish?? I question this because at this time I am not willing to purchase a $100+ orbital buffer. From my understanding, most hand-polishing techniques are a waste of time. I am afraid that claying will reveal/create many more swirl marks, which then will require me to machine polish. Any thoughts on this step?
Step 7: Wax. I plan on using NXT 2.0. Should I rewash my car before waxing? I will also wax my rims, as I read this will greatly help repel break dust.
Interior: I plan on using Meg's interior detailing spray on the vinyl, a damp rag on most of the instrument panels and interior chrome, and Meg's leather cleaner/conditioner spray on the seats and door leather. I do not want an overly shiny/greasy dash or seats. Will I be satisfied with these products?
Well that is the plan that I have come up with. Like I said, I am fairly confident I have the individual processes down, but step 6, the polish step, has me concerned. I would greatly appreciate any input. Thanks!
No, really.... 
Patrick already said most of the important stuff so I'll just add a few minor things. If you really want to complete detail your car, get yourself a UDM/PC, orange pad, white pad, 4oz Optimum Compound, and Optimum Poliseal, and Four Star UPP. That will run you about $220. It's about the best investment you can do to your car. Obviously you need shampoo, bucket, microfiber, and a few other things. But those can be bought otc to save some money. Wax/polish your car by hand two to three time and you will appreciate the UDM/PC.
if your not going to get a machine, then get used to the swirls or scratches you already have....
i would suggest a good paint cleaner, followed by some polish, and then wax or sealant....
the clay kit by meguiars is pretty mild, i doubt it would produce any swirls or scratches, and its not going to reveal any previous scratches either....
i dont mind armoral products too much, but i do like their extreme tire gel...that stuff is the bomb.....
last but not least, if you can find a way to get one, i would get a pc/udm...well worth the money, i use mine every time i polish and seal...even on steps that i would usually do by hand i use the machine on setting 1.5...its just to easy to wax or seal with it to not use it....plus i get my monies worth from the machine.....
i would suggest a good paint cleaner, followed by some polish, and then wax or sealant....
the clay kit by meguiars is pretty mild, i doubt it would produce any swirls or scratches, and its not going to reveal any previous scratches either....
i dont mind armoral products too much, but i do like their extreme tire gel...that stuff is the bomb.....
last but not least, if you can find a way to get one, i would get a pc/udm...well worth the money, i use mine every time i polish and seal...even on steps that i would usually do by hand i use the machine on setting 1.5...its just to easy to wax or seal with it to not use it....plus i get my monies worth from the machine.....
Thread Starter
10th Gear
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 11
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Thanks for the feedback. I definately plan on picking up an UDM in the future - probably next spring. Right now, it just is not feasible for me. Would I be wasting my time trying to hand-polish? Or is a good hand-polish better than nothing?
All that I know is I have the stock, alloy rims from an 2004 TL. Anyone know if these are clear coated? Maybe I'll try to get some touch up paint from the dealer for the scratches.
Originally Posted by Jesstzn
Step #1 .. if your wheels are clear coated then an aluminum polish isn't to be used on them .. treat them like your fender.
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